Ch.6

"Good morning Maria." Ms. H. said as a took my seat across from her at the dining room in the Moonacre Manor.

"Good morning Ms. Heliotrope." I missed it here. I just arrived late last night from school. The boys escorted me all the way to my front step. They all took turns keeping me company in the carriage, the rest riding their horses on look out. Today I agreed to meet Robin in our clearing. He was taking me exploring…even in the snow. I haven't yet to glimpse on exactly how much we have gotten but I know its usually quite a bit. I eat and make idle conversation with Ms. H. "Ms. Heliotrope, I would like to have the day to myself, my journey was quite long."

"Well—ll I suppose. But do say hi to everyone!" She exclaimed as I hurried out of the room. As soon as I was out of ear shot I took of running towards my room up in the tower. I flung the door open to my room and search for a dress to trech through the woods. I found one that was a deep blue. The sleeves however did not have a L embroidered but a M. Oh how lovely my first very own moonacre dress. I quickly put it on and put a pair of very thick leather boots on that laced up to almost mid thigh. I then threw on a thick cloak made of wool that complimented my deep blue dress. I then sneak out of the Manor. It was a bit cold outside but the sun was starting to shine. The snow on the other hand wasn't too much, probably a mere 4 inches. I made my way towards the clearing. It was beautiful, the tress were all covered in snow and in the woods the way the snow made a blanket on the forest floor was marvelous. I made it to the clearing to where a certain birdbrain was already waiting for me…though he had his back to me so I bent down and made a ball of snow. I grinned to myself and through it at him nailing him right in the back. He whipped around with a bemused look on his face.

"Well good morning to you too." He said bending down to do the same. I shriekd and tried to make it behind a tree for cover but not in time as the ball hit my side.

"Robin!" I shrieked hiding behind the tree.

"What? Is there something of the matter?" He grinned mischievously

I then popped my head out and nailed him in the face.

"Oh now you did it." He came barreling towards me, I took off running but I only made it 2 strides when I was plummeted into the snow along with Robin.

"You oaf!" I said giggling.

"When will you learn I will always catch you." He said standing up and helping me to my feet.

"Eventually I'll outsmart you again, like I did last summer." I bit my lip.

"Maybe I wanted to be caught, especially since my capturer is exquisitely beautiful." He leaned in a bit closer, making me shiver at his hot breath against my neck.

"Robin-" I looked into his eyes. Oh his beautiful brown eyes. And his lips…what am I doing. I snap out of it. "You're a bit too close." I said adding more distance between us. He just moved in closer this time grabbing me at my hips. He drew me in and smiled.

"I haven't been close enough for the last few months." He then pecked me on the forehead.

"Robin. I don't want to-to lead you on." I paused trying to read his eyes that were staring intently right into mine. "I have to finish school. And that won't be for another 3 ½ years. Please can we-"

"Maria, I won't ever let you go. I want you and only you. If I have to wait 3 ½ years to have you as mine, in my bed every night- I will wait."

"Oh Robin." My heart melted.

"Come on, we're heading back to the De Noir castle, will be off to Silverydew." My eyes rose in question.

We made it back to the castle in an hour. Robin already had two horses saddled. It was warming up and it would be a fine day for a horseback ride, so no need in taking a carriage. He helped me mount my horse and then he mounted his. We made it to Silverydew around noon-it took us an 1 ½. We first went to the docks where Robin had business to take care of. That took about an hour. Then after that we made our way through the crowd-leaving the horses at the hitching post by the docks- and stopped at a Cafe for lunch.

"My father has been increasing my responsibilities of late. Hence why we had to come to town today."

"Will you be ascending to Coeur soon?"

"I think so. My father wants me to lead but still be here for a time to help guide me."

"I see. Are you enjoying the new responsibilities?"

"They aren't awful, just time consuming. My best mates have been helping me out though. My father said that I can't rule without good support."

"I don't think he's wrong, quite wise actually."

"He did also mention another form of support…"

"Hmmm what is that?" I knew exactly what he meant by that.

"There is such a position right next to my side, someone I can rule together with." He trailed looking at me devilishly.

"I wonder who that someone will be? She must be arrogant enough to deal with you." Taking all of me to hold in a giggle.

"I think that certain someone is sitting right across from me. Auburn hair in ringlets, an attitude of a stubborn horse. And who is short."

I giggled "I am not short! I'm average for a woman."

"Yes, but still short and stubborn."

I rolled my eyes "At least I'm not arrogant" I said under my breath. But he still heard me.

"Princess, you wound me." He said grabbing at his heart for a dramatic flair.

Our food came and we ate. It was quite delicious. After we done we made our way back to our horses. I couldn't help but feel like we were being watched. "Robin" I whispered. "I feel like we are being watched." Only audible for his ears.

"I agree, I felt it when we were eating at the Cafe."

"Why-"

"Let's get out of here ok." He said trying not to worry me. I nodded my head and he helped me mount my horse again. We made it back to the De Noir Castle about half passed two.

"Where have you two been all day!" Henry said seeing us enter the front door of the castle.

"I had business in town."

"Hmmm." Luc added.

"Well I hope Robin was a gentleman, Maria." Richard winked at us.

My face burned a slight pink "There is all but one who doesn't act like a gentleman in my presence…" I stared at Richard with a sly grin. The boys all laughed.

"Maria, I think I'm the only one who could be a proper gentleman for you." I giggled and rolled my eyes. Robin shot him a glare to knock it off-which he just returned with a grin.

"Will you be accompany us with your fine presence for dinner?" Henry said.

"I should probably head back to the Manor…I have yet to see my Uncle, I'm sure he's furious that I've been gone all day."

"Well no worries, the Manor was invited tonight for a sort of celebration." Luc said.

"Of what?"

"Well Robin becoming more responsible." Richard said

I looked at Robin. Who shot shrugged "I knew no such thing." I believed him.

"Well I suppose." I glanced down at my dress and realized it was quite dirty. A mix between mud and just being damp from the ride. I shifted in my feet knowing that Ms. Heliotrope would have a coniption if she saw me in this state.

"We have a few of Loveday's old dresses if you wanted to change." Robin said noticing my uneasingness.

"Well-"

"She has no need for them." Robin added

"Why sure then." The boys followed us through the castle. We went down a few corridors that led to the wing of where the Couer's immediate family slept. We made our way to the familiar door, the one of Robin's future wife. He opened it and led me through into the sitting room, then to the next room which was the bed chamber. In there was a maid and a new gown.

"Thank you." I said

"Yes-well we will be in my room, in the sitting area." With that he ushered his friends out closing the doors behind him.

"Miss." The maid said gesturing me to uncloth. We kept my underlayers but replaced the gown. The new gown was just as beautiful and the same style. She helps me fix my hair for the evening.

"Thank you." I said to the maid.

She scurried out of the room and I decided to use the connecting door between the rooms. I entered and as expected no one was in here. Then I made my way to the sitting room where the boys were. I opened the door and all 4 heads looked up at me.

"You're getting bold." Richard said

"Just curious perhaps." I said smiling

"I could give a full tour if you would like?" Robin said devishly

"I think that I'd rather have a tour with Luc or Henry…or possibly Richard."

Robin rolled his eyes. "I would enjoy every minute of that tour." Richard said. Robin shot him a back the hell off look. We continued our banter until 4 when we then headed down to the Great Hall. My Manor guests weren't there yet. But the room was already half way full. Some were seated and some were standing drinking with one and another. The chatter in the room died down as we entered. A Lot of eyes were on me along with Robin. We made our way towards the head of the table and sat down. I sat to Robin's right again. Then it went Henry, Richard, and then Luc. We were sitting for a few minutes when the doors opened once again and in came my Uncle, Loveday, and Ms. Heliotrope. They made their way over.

"Greetings!" Coeur boomed.

"Hello father." Loveday said.

"Coeur De Noir." Sir Benjamin nodded his head "Thank you for having us tonight."

"Thank you for accepting the invitation."

Loveday looked at me and squealed "Maria!" She rushed over and gave me a big old hug. Then under her breath she said "I wondered where you were all day." Teasingly. I blushed lightly.

"And brother." She gave him a whack on the back of the head. "That's for not accepting my invitation for tea the last two times!"

"I was busy-"

"No excuses." She said, striding to the other side of the table taking her seat next to Uncle.

My thoughts went to Fletcher. I wasn't thinking about him all day but until now. My eyes widened a bit.

"Princess? Is there something wrong?" Robin said to me

"I-I need some fresh air." I got up from the table and made my way out. I headed towards the front door where I could stand for a bit. I was only out there for a few seconds when I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. I turned and faced him.

"I haven't seen him all day."

"He's been gone, haven't seen him since the ball." Robin said, picking my chin up a bit, knowing exactly who I was talking about.

"I'm not afraid of what he'll do to me, but what he could do to you." I said looking intently into his eyes.

"Princess, don't worry about me. Ok?"

"But I do…"

"Let me do the worrying."

"I suppose I could." He gave me a long hug. I buried my head into his chest, not ever wanting to let him go. We are in eachothers arms for a bit until I break apart.

"I think we should head back."

"Agreed." I took his arm and headed back the the Great Hall. The meal hasn't been served yet but servants were bringing in dishes. We sat back down at our seats.

"Where were you two lovebirds at?" Henry said.

"I needed some air." I said

"And I just so happened to have followed her." Robin said.

"Eh-hmm" Sir Benjamin cleared his throat sending daggers at a Robin. Loveday smacked him lightly on the arm.

"Benjamin we've talked about this." She said. Couer just laughed.

"Shall we begin" Couer gestured at the table and the servants came and unlid everything. It was quite the feast. Food upon food, not marmadukes cooking but it was still delicious.

"Princess, shall we meet tomorrow again?"

"If I can…Ms. Heliotrope will probably insist I stay."

"Hmm. Well I'll call upon you, if that is ok?"

I smiled and nodded. We talked endlessly until it was time to go. We bid each other farewell. It seemed like such a long carriage ride back home, with my Uncle's gaze of disapproval of Robin.